From the Mirador de San Miguel, you can see the villages of Tapay, Cosñihua and Malata, the mountains of Sepregina and Bomboya, and part of Colca Canyon. The viewpoint sits on the edge of the canyon at an elevation of about 3,330 meters and is approximately a 25-minute walk from Cabanaconde. There is also a life-size replica of the Juanita mummy at the viewpoint. On the way there, you can also visit the Museo de la Momia Juanita. Check in advance whether the museum is open.
Viewpoints and Hiking Trails
The Mirador de Achachihua is about 15 minutes from Cabanaconde and offers a panoramic view of the inter-Andean valley of Sangalle and the opposite side of Colca Canyon. The viewpoints offer different perspectives: from San Miguel, you can see several villages and mountains in the surrounding area; Achachihua looks out over the valley and the other side of the canyon. You can plan your excursions based on which landscape interests you most.
Cabanaconde is the starting point for various hiking trails down into the canyon, including a route to the Oasis de Sangalle. The Mirador de San Miguel is also part of the Colca trekking route and a starting point for the descent into the Valle de Sangalle. There are several trails beginning in Cabanaconde, while San Miguel itself is part of the Colca route and a starting point for the descent.
At the district level, Achachihua–Llahuar, San Miguel–Puente San Juan and Sejana–Sangalle are among the trekking routes in the Cabanaconde District. Check local trail conditions before setting out. The named routes and starting points offer different options for planning a tour, but no walking time or difficulty level can be inferred from this information.
Festivals and Local Cuisine
The religious festival in honor of the Virgen del Carmen takes place in Cabanaconde every year on July 16. It includes the music groups known as “caperos” and traditional bullfights. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the program for the relevant year locally.
In February, the festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria serves the traditional Chapliuchu: a mixture of spices, meat, charqui, potatoes, guinea pig, chicken, fried egg and toasted bread. The Wititi dance is also part of Carnival traditions; dates and programs may vary. When planning your dates, the festival held annually on July 16, the Candelaria festival in February and the variable Carnival dates offer different reference points.
Cultural Heritage in Cabanaconde and the Surrounding Area
The Templo de San Pedro Alcántara is located on Cabanaconde’s main square and is recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation under R.M. No. 0928-80-ED dated July 23, 1980. It is a specific cultural site to visit in town. In the area around Cabanaconde, architectural and ceramic remains point to a pronounced Inca influence from the Late Horizon period.
Planning a trip to Cabanaconde can bring together several different interests: you can combine viewpoints with hiking trails into Colca Canyon, time your visit to coincide with one of the festivals mentioned, or include the temple and the remains in the surrounding area as cultural attractions. For hikes and festivals, it is advisable to factor local trail conditions and the program for the relevant year into your plans.
Discover more destinations: Paucarpata, Coporaque, Yanque, Cerro Colorado District, Cotahuasi, Pinchollo, Yanahuara District, Chala
For the overview of the wider region: Arequipa.
